With increasingly stringent energy efficiency regulations, the design of high-performance buildings requires advanced solar shading and thermal insulation solutions. These elements are crucial to drastically reduce energy consumption, improve living comfort and contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions.

In this article we will explore three shading and insulation solutions available on the market, analysing how they can be integrated into building projects to maximise energy savings and support the transition to a more sustainable future.

Dynamic façades in response to thermal and light balance within the building.

Dynamic façades are designed to adapt to changing external conditions, such as radiation and temperature, in order to maintain an optimal thermal and light balance inside the building. These building envelopes, through advanced design and technological choices, actively regulate the exchanges between the interior and exterior. The façade, as a boundary element between the building and the external environment, plays a crucial role in achieving high levels of energy efficiency and promoting sustainability. Technologies such as integrated solar shading, which can dynamically change the angle of slat inclination, are key to optimising energy needs. Such solutions not only improve indoor comfort but also support the ambition towards near-zero energy buildings, responding to the growing need for sustainability.

The importance of the choice of window frames in terms of energy saving.

The choice of window frames is crucial for energy saving and can affect up to 40% of a building’s heat loss. Thermal break aluminium frames represent one of the most advanced solutions in this field. This technology significantly improves thermal insulation by separating the internal and external profile of the window frame using a heat-insulating material. This approach significantly reduces heat loss and prevents heat exchange between inside and outside, maintaining a stable and comfortable interior temperature all year round. The use of energy-efficient windows and doors not only reduces heating and cooling costs, but also contributes to greater environmental sustainability, making the building greener and less expensive to run.

The vertical garden as thermal insulation.

When it comes to energy efficiency, thermal insulation is often the main choice, but the vertical garden emerges as an environmentally friendly and innovative alternative. This ‘green coat’ envelops façades with vegetation, contributing to thermal insulation. Plants create a natural barrier that reduces direct summer heating and keeps interiors cool. Through evapotranspiration, they release water vapour that cools the environment, similar to a natural air conditioner. In addition, the plant substrate adds thermal mass, stabilising the indoor temperature. Studies have shown that vertical gardens can lower indoor temperatures by around 3°C, reducing energy consumption and improving comfort. In addition to the energy benefits, green walls improve air quality, reduce noise, offer aesthetic and wellness benefits, enrich urban environments, and contribute to the building’s LEED® certification.

In summary, the integration of advanced solutions such as dynamic façades, thermal break window frames and vertical gardens is essential for designing efficient and sustainable buildings. Dynamic façades actively regulate the thermal and light balance, while high-quality window frames reduce heat loss and energy costs. Vertical gardens also provide natural insulation, improving indoor comfort and contributing to sustainability. Adopting these technologies not only optimises energy savings, but also supports the commitment to a greener and more resilient building future.

Article published in Edimen’s TuttoGreen magazine